DO YOU HAVE A CURRENT SAFETY INSPECTION STICKER ON YOUR BOAT?

Posted by zzz - Lorea Thomson

| Realtor

Updated on July 26th, 2013

|

Published in Hobe Sound

Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary recommend that all boaters, including personal watercraft and paddle sport users take advantage of local, free Vessel Safety Checks every year. 

A certified Vessel Examiner performs the courtesy vessel safety check at your boat.  The exam usually takes 30 – 45 minutes, depending on the size of your boat. Boats that pass the examination are issued a VSC decal that signals Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies that your boat is in full compliance with all the State and Federal guidelines for boating.  Often, law enforcement will not detain or board your boat if your boat displays a current-year decal and operating safely.

If you do not pass the initial inspection, a written report will be given that will aid you in you are missing safety items. Simply take that report to your local marine chandlery and you may receive a discount on missing items.  

Give yourself the peace of mind that your boat meets the minimum safety standards and avoid FINES should you be boarded by law enforcement, and not be in compliance.

Throughout the summer, 2013 Vessel Safety Examinations are available by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at Burt Reynolds Park, west ramp, in Jupiter.  Free vessel safety checks are conducted every Saturday from 9a.m. until noon.  Courtesy vessel safety checks may be performed in a slip, driveway or, launch ramp.  To schedule an appointment for the vessel safety check please visit United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and click on “I Want a VSC” tab.

Safe boating!